Kay Burley, the long-serving former councillor and Honorary Alderwoman of Bedford Borough, described as a “backbone” of local politics has died.
Over 49 years, Ms Burley served the local community as both a borough and county councillor, as well as a member of Kempston Urban District Council and then Kempston Town Council.
She also served as chair of Bedfordshire County Council from 1995-1996, Mayor of Kempston from 2005-06, and was later leader of Kempston Town Council.
She retired from frontline politics in November last year and was later made an Honorary Alderwoman in recognition of her decades of public service.
Read: Former councillor awarded Honorary Alderwoman in recognition of 50 years service
Tributes paid
Bedford Borough Labour Group have paid tribute to Alderwoman Burley.
Bedford Borough Labour Group Leader Carl Meader had previously referred to her as the “backbone” of the area’s Labour Councillors and the local Labour Party.
Today he said: “Kay was an incredibly hard-working councillor, and served the public for half a century, determined to do her absolute best for the community across the Borough and particularly in Kempston.
“Messages I have received from people across all political parties at this sad news have shown how highly she was regarded.”
Deputy Group Leader Sue Oliver added: “Kay was a friend, colleague and mentor to many generations of Labour activists. Her knowledge of correct political procedure was enormous, much to the frustration of some.
“Kempston has lost one of its greatest advocates. She will be sadly missed.”
Friend and colleague Cllr Colleen Atkins spoke of the respect people had for Alderwoman Burley’s wisdom.
“I knew Kay for well over thirty years… Kay earned respect for her wisdom and knowledge and it was very noticeable that when she spoke at meetings, everyone listened.
“Kay will be missed not only for her friendship, her compassion, her hard work, her dedication and advice but also for the incredible, quiet way she fought her health battles throughout it all.”
Mayor of Kempston and Cllr for Kempston Central & East Mohammed Nawaz, who represented that Ward jointly with Kay from 2019 – 2023 spoke of how “Local residents were very close to her heart, and she worked tirelessly for them”.
Whereas Cllr Zara Layne, Harpur Ward Councillor spoke of her impact on other councillors, adding, “Kay was a compassionate and highly skilled community leader. She shared her skills and experiences generously and inspired all those who worked with her.”
Councillor Caroline White, who was elected to the Kempston Central & East seat Kay retired from in 2023, said: “I will always be truly grateful for Alderwoman Kay Burley’s support to me, not only as a new councillor but also as a friend.
“Kay leaves a legacy for all those who wish to serve their communities. Her knowledge and wisdom will be sorely missed.”
And James Valentine, Cllr for Kempston West, called Alderwoman Burley “a stalwart of Bedford and Kempston’s public life”.
“We all benefited from her wisdom and long experience. Personally, I will always be grateful for the encouragement she gave me on entering local government,” he said.
Leader of the Liberal Democracts in Bedford, Cllr Henry Vann, has also paid tribute.
“Kay was an excellent politician; the absolute expert of a winding question which would leave its punch of accountability to those in charge to the end as a surprise and was always focused on getting to the heart of a problem.
I fondly remember working with her on a vision for Kempston town centre, and her tireless championing of Kempstonians will stick firmly in my mind. I loved working with her on this – from frustrations with landowners to a zeal for getting stuff done.
“She will be missed by all,” he said.
Update: This article was updated on 26 September 2024 at 14:06 to add further tributes.
